Is this being scrupulous?

[Veronica97]

Usually the newspaper is right in front of the door in the morning. This morning it was thrown in the front yard–halfway down the sidewalk. I normally sleep in short shorts (athletic shorts) and a regular top in the summer time. I thought for a moment, “Maybe I should put something else on before I go out to get the paper.” But then I looked around and didn’t see anyone outside or any cars coming so I hurried out to get it and went right back in the house. Now I am thinking I may have committed the mortal sin of “flagrant immodesty in dress”. How do I know if a neighbor might have been looking out the window at just that time? I would never wear these shorts to walk in or ANYWHERE except in my own home with my own immediate family. Am I being scrupulous?

 

[garn9173]

Yes, you are being scrupulous. I’d say the chances of a neighbor looking out the window at that exact time are just as good as being struck by lighting and winning the lottery…on the same day.

 

[andremiguel]

Usually the newspaper is right in front of the door in the morning. This morning it was thrown in the front yard–halfway down the sidewalk. I normally sleep in short shorts (athletic shorts) and a regular top in the summer time. I thought for a moment, “Maybe I should put something else on before I go out to get the paper.” But then I looked around and didn’t see anyone outside or any cars coming so I hurried out to get it and went right back in the house. Now I am thinking I may have committed the mortal sin of “flagrant immodesty in dress”. How do I know if a neighbor might have been looking out the window at just that time? I would never wear these shorts to walk in or ANYWHERE except in my own home with my own immediate family. Am I being scrupulous?

Football players in europe would be sinning all the time.

 

[Friar_David_O.Carm]

In most cases if you have to ask the question then it is usually a “Yes”.

But one think in your post that I want to ask you about (note the bolded text) . . .

Usually the newspaper is right in front of the door in the morning. This morning it was thrown in the front yard–halfway down the sidewalk. ** I normally sleep in short shorts (athletic shorts)** and a regular top in the summer time. I thought for a moment, “Maybe I should put something else on before I go out to get the paper.” But then I looked around and didn’t see anyone outside or any cars coming so I hurried out to get it and went right back in the house. ** Now I am thinking I may have committed the mortal sin of “flagrant immodesty in dress**”. How do I know if a neighbor might have been looking out the window at just that time? ** I would never wear these shorts to walk in or ANYWHERE except in my own home with my own immediate family**. Am I being scrupulous?

So if these shorts were immodest then it is okay to be immodest in front of your family?

 

[Veronica97]

My immediate family would be my husband and my 19 year-old son. I have wondered before if I should wear the shorts in front of my son, but he doesn’t seem to be bothered by them or think much about it. He is VERY outspoken, and I don’t think he would hesitate to say, “Mom, you’re wearing THAT?” or “Go put on something decent.” if he were bothered by them. But perhaps I should put on capri sweats when I wake up or something (it’s too hot to wear a robe). Neither my husband nor my mother-in-law has ever said anything about them (she is the only other person who might see me in them), and she would say something if she thought they were inappropriate, believe me. But you’ve given me something to think about…perhaps I will only sleep in them and not wear them around the house.

 

[Rob_has_lapsed]

Just out of curiosity, what do you wear when you go swimming?

 

[ironman62292]

I’m slightly scrupulous and I don’t think its a mortal sin. Mortal sin must have the three parts. First off is going out in public like that a grave matter? Possibly. Did you do so knowing it was mortally sinful and yet give your full consent to do so? I’d say if there was sin involved it was of carelessness, nothing that could send you to hell.